(57) The bearing assembly (10) is of the hydrodynamic type, for use as a spindle. It includes
spaced journals mounted on a shaft (12) for rotation therewith. The housing (20) includes
spaced support bearings (16, 18) cooperating with the journals to form a gas gap (16c,
18c) therebetween. The support bearings (16, 18) are resiliently mounted by flexible
spring seal elements (23) in the housing for axial, radial and angular movement. The
elements (23) are self-energizing and comprised of relatively low coefficient of friction
materials to reduce the friction of the system thus allowing rapid adjustment of the
bearing (16 or 18) in response to loads on the shaft (12). Various details are described
with respect to the various structures illustrated, including the details of an air
bearing spindle assembly of relatively light weight and capable of operating at speeds
in excess of 100,000 RPM.
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